Jayden Nance is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Pinnacle High School for AZPreps365.com.

PHOENIX – The Pinnacle Pioneers have established their presence early this season, led by a defense built on disruption. From relentless pressure in the backfield to timely takeaways, the unit has been the driving force behind the team’s success.

Through the first six games, the Pioneers have racked up 25 sacks and 34 quarterback hurries. Their pressure has often led to mistakes, resulting in 14 pass deflections, four interceptions and nine fumble recoveries – four forced by Pinnacle defenders. Fueled by aggressive pressure and sharp instincts, the defense has kept opposing offenses off balance.

That identity was tested in a Week 5 loss to Liberty, when the Lions — one of the state’s top programs — put up 39 points. Even so, Pinnacle’s defensive production remains one of the defining stories of its strong start.

At the center of that surge is junior linebacker Aiden Ramos, who leads Pinnacle with 40 tackles. He also has four tackles for loss, two sacks, a quarterback hurry, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble, making him a key piece against both the run and pass.

“We want to cause havoc, we want to make a play every single play,” Ramos said.

Alongside him, senior captain Brayden Fricke has emerged as a ball hawk in the secondary. Fricke has tallied 25 tackles while adding half a sack, two pass deflections, a forced fumble and three interceptions. His ability to create turnovers has provided momentum-shifting plays in several of Pinnacle’s wins.

Fricke said his leadership starts during the week.

“In practice, I just get my guys going,” he said. “I kind of strive for them to have good energy at practice. On game day, I set the tone, but they all set the tone themselves.”

He also described the defense as one of the closest groups he has been a part of at Pinnacle.

“I just say family,” Fricke said. “We’re closer than I think we’ve ever been. I think of them as my family, as my brothers. We work together day in and day out.”

Junior Reid Klecka has anchored the defensive line. He has eight tackles, including 4.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks, consistently disrupting blocking schemes and pressuring quarterbacks. He also has a pass deflection and a fumble recovery.

“We take a lot of pride [in the defense],” Klecka said. “I think having a good presence on the D-line can really change how the game goes, and we get really proud when we’re able to make big stops up front.”

Klecka said he also hopes to leave a legacy for the program once his senior season is done.

“I want to leave behind a standard to follow,” he said. “I don’t want us to leave this year and have the standard go down next year. I want to leave behind a better work ethic for the younger kids.”